Raoul J. Forgues

February 5, 1922 - June 23, 2013

PORTLAND – Raoul J. Forgues, 91, died on June 23, 2013 at the Barron Center where he resided the past two years.Born on February 5, 1922, in New Brunswick, Canada the son of Marie Ouellette Forgues and Phillippe Forgues. He attended school in Lewiston and was a member of Holy Cross Church for many years before moving to Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 1981. Raoul was one of five sons born to Marie and Phillippe Forgues. Lionel, Lucien, Harvey and Fern. He often joked about how strong his mother had to be to raise five sons. After his service in the Army, he met the "love of his life" Jacqueline Tardiff and they were married December 1946. They raised their family in Lewiston and moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1981 as he went into semi retirement. While in Florida he worked in Security positions until he fully retired. Raoul was a hard worker and often worked numerous jobs at one time. He was a fireman in the Lewiston Fire Department for 33 years, rising to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief. He has many fond memories of those days and loved to talk about his service. Raoul and Jackie enjoyed living in Ft. Lauderdale. Making many friends, joining bowling leagues and participating in the activities in their retirement community. Raoul and Jackie moved to Westbrook, Maine in 2000 due to Jackie's diagnosis with Alzheimer's. During her lengthy illness Raoul took wonderful care of her and visited her daily once she moved into the Barron Center. Raoul enjoyed playing cards, listening to music of his era, bowling, and working in his vegetable gardens He loved to watch television and you could often catch him watching the Red Sox, Patriots or a western. His favorite being the Duke, John Wayne. Raoul was a member of the American Legion and the Eagles Club. Raoul loved dogs, his last dog being Pepper. He spoiled her and loved her dearly. While in the nursing home he enjoyed his grand dog's visits. Their visits always brought a smile to him as well as many other residents and staff. Raoul served in the Army during WWII and often talked about his service in Burma. He was proud to serve our country. He is survived by his son Ronald and daughter in-law Jeannie of Bar Mills. His daughter Nancy Ashton of Madison, Wisconsin and grandchildren; Danielle Forgues of Bar Mills, Karl Thornton and his wife Amanda Thornton, of Madison, Wisconsin, Lori Poulin and her husband Marcus of Monona, Wisconsin and Monica Forgues also from Madison, Wisconsin. Great grandchildren; Joshua and Victoria of Monoca, Wisconsin and Logan Thornton of Madison, Wisconsin. His brother Fern and his wife Cecile of Lewiston, Maine and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the many wonderful people that have assisted Raoul in these last few years. The staff at the Barron Center, 3 South is a notch above and the recent assistance from the staff at Maine Medical Center was invaluable. We thank you for your compassion and caring. You are invited to offer condolencecs and pay tribute to Raoul's life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com

Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Thursday, June 27th, 2013, from 9 am – 11 am, with the funeral service immediately following at 11 am, at the Fortin Group Funeral Home, Committal and entombment at St. Peter's Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to: Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland P.O. Box 336 Westbrook, Maine 04098 OR
Maine Chapter 383 US Route One, Suite 2C Scarborough, Maine 04074. A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services 70 Horton St. Lewiston 784-4584.